We're officially in the thick of draft season. Today, the second of two college prospect all-star games happens, the Senior Bowl. After that, it's a month to the NFL Combine. The game starts at 3:30 p.m. Eastern today, and we'll have a game thread to discuss the game...and the players. Ahead of that, here's a look back at the chatter around the 2011 NFL Draft prospects and some names that might be of interest to the St. Louis Rams.
I mentioned Wisconsin OG John Moffitt the other day, but there's another guard you need to keep an eye on: Baylor's Danny Watkins. At 26, he's seasoned, just not a veteran. He replaced Jason Smith at LT, but has mostly worked at guard this week, where most think he's best suited to play in the NFL. He could easily be an early day two pick, i.e. second round if his stock climbs any further.
More names after the jump.
Rams Herd has a list of players to keep an eye on from the North Squad today. A couple names that haven't gotten much play this week: Maryland RB Da'Rel Scott, Oklahoma S Quinton Carter and Iowa DT Christian Ballard.
Risers and fallers this week from Rob Rang...names to know include: San Diego State WR Vincent Brown, Tennessee TE Luke Stocker...yes, I'm not ruling out a playmaking tight end, especially if the Rams can't get a ready-to-go receiver like Julio Jones.
Here's the list of players we know Rams scouts and personnel talked to this week and last.
And here's my list of players from this week that ought to be in consideration for the Rams. Keep an eye on Miami WR Leonard Hankerson, he's had a big week for himself and a solid game today (despite shaky QBs) could punctuate his week in Mobile.
Another group of players to watch: the running backs. Each guy is only going to get a handful of attempts today. A breakout performance in those handful of carries could generate enough buzz to carry them through to April. Watch for: DeMarco Murray and Kendall Hunter, they seem to be getting the most press this week. Also, remember the Rams showed some interest in Derrick Locke and Noel Devine, outside speedsters who might also get a shot at returns today.
All your Senior Bowl questions answered right here.
Five more questions to be answered today from the National Football Post.
Here's Doug Farrar with his North Team All-Stars, players of note include: WR Austin Pettis, OLB Mason Foster.
And here's Farrar's South Team All-Stars, players of interest include: OL Rodney Hudson, DE Pernell McPhee.